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Snowshoe

A rare breed, the Snowshoe was created by an American breeder, Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty, during the 1960s. She produced a litter of three pointed kittens with pure white mittens and boot feet by crossing a Siamese with a bi-colour American Shorthair. Their distinct features made them difficult to achieve, thus it wasn't until 1974 that the breed achieved recognition and the American Cat Association (ACA) were the first to recognise the Snowshoe as a breed.

Appearance

A medium sized breed with the build of an American Shorthair but looks of a Siamese, the Snowshoe's physical trait marks are their pure white paws, their dazzling blue eyes and the inverted white "V" on their muzzle which can be quite prominent or faint. Their coat is short and comes in a variety of colours including blue, seal, lilac and chocolate. Their mask, eyes, legs and tail are usually darker than their body. Snowshoe kittens are born all white and will show their colours and special features several weeks later. No two Snowshoe kittens have identical markings.

Temperament

The Snowshoe is a vibrant, energetic, affectionate and intelligent cat. They love being around people which makes them ideal for families and will get along well with children and other pets. Their people oriented personality makes the breed suited for cat shows too. They are quite playful and can be taught a few tricks and walk on leash from an early age. As the Snowshoe loves company, it is advised they are not left alone for long periods, otherwise two cats are recommended.

Grooming

Due to their short coat, the Snowshoe does not require frequent grooming. Once a week is sufficient to remove the loose hair and dirt.

Health concerns

The Snowshoe does not have any specific health issues. However, it is recommended their vaccinations and parasite treatments are kept to date. When your Snowshoe turns 7 years old, we recommend a senior check up every six months to ensure any age related health issues are detected early, thus the sooner treatment is implemented.